Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Colossians 1

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Colossians 1


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
Colossians 1

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Salutation Greeting Salutation Salutation Address Col_1:1-2 Col_1:1 Col_1:1 Col_1:1 Col_1:1-2 Col_1:2 a Col_1:2 a Col_1:2 a Col_1:2 b Col_1:2 b Col_1:2 b Paul Thanks God for the Colossians Their Faith in Christ Thanksgiving and Intercession Prayer of Thanksgiving Thanksgiving and Prayer Col_1:3-8 Col_1:3-8 Col_1:3-8 Col_1:3-8 Col_1:3-8 The Person and Work of Christ Preeminence of Christ Col_1:9-20 Col_1:9-18 Col_1:9-14 Col_1:9-14 Col_1:9-12 Col_1:13-14 The Supremacy of Christ The Person and Work of Christ Christ is the Head of all Creation Reconciled in Christ Col_1:15-20 Col_1:15-20 Col_1:15-20 Col_1:19-23 The Colossians Have Their Share in Salvation Col_1:21-23 Col_1:21-23 Col_1:21-23 Col_1:21-23 Paul's Ministry to the Church Sacrificial Service for Christ Paul's Interest in the Colossians Paul's Work as a Servant of the Church Paul's Labors in the Service of the Gentiles COLOSSIANS (1:24-2:7) COLOSSIANS (1:24-2:5) Col_1:24 to Col_2:5 Col_1:24-29 Col_1:24 to Col_2:5 Col_1:24 to Col_2:3 Col_1:24-29 * Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.

In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.

Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.

READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. Why does Paul use a standard introduction in his letters? How is this opening different?

2. Who started this church? What was the reason for Paul writing this letter?

3. List the reasons for Paul's thanksgiving for these saints.

4. List three aspects of God’s will (Col_1:9).

5. List four elements of Paul’s prayer as related to "worthy lives" (Col_1:10-12).

6. List the things Paul says about Jesus (Col_1:15-19; Col_2:9-10).

7. Why does Paul emphasize Jesus' death so strongly?

8. Can one fall from a state of grace (Col_1:23; Col_2:16-23)?

9. What does Col_1:24 mean?

10. Define "mystery."